Cisco ASR1000-ESP10 Router Module

Key Features of the Cisco ASR1000-ESP10 Router Module

Next Generation Forwarding with High Performance Silicon

The Cisco ASR1000-ESP10 delivers exceptional high performance through its innovative next generation forwarding architecture based on the industry-leading Cisco QuantumFlow Processor silicon design. This 10 Gbps embedded services processor provides centralized forwarding-engine capabilities for the Cisco ASR 1000 series routers, enabling enterprise customers to achieve wire-speed performance while maintaining comprehensive quality of service and security functions. The module supports advanced features including hardware-assisted QoS, encryption capabilities up to 4 Gbps throughput, and latency-minimizing multicast packet replication that ensures optimal business application performance. Unlike traditional routers that require additional service blades for advanced functions, this ESP integrates multi-gigabit Cisco IOS firewall capability directly in the router, reducing complexity and improving reliability for demanding enterprise environments.

Enterprise Security and Comprehensive Service Integration

Designed to meet the demanding security requirements of modern enterprise networks, the ASR1000 ESP10 delivers robust protection through integrated firewall capabilities, IPSec VPN support for up to 10,000 tunnels, and comprehensive access control with support for 4,000 ACL rules. The embedded services processor supports advanced security functions including Network Address Translation with capacity for 500,000 NAT entries, enabling secure connection between internal networks and external business partners. Hardware-based encryption ensures that sensitive enterprise data remains protected while maintaining optimal throughput performance, making this module ideal for organizations that need to balance security demands with operational efficiency. The processor seamlessly integrates with Cisco IOS software features, providing customers with a comprehensive platform that supports both current requirements and future expansion needs without compromising on reliability or performance quality.

Scalable Architecture for Enterprise Growth

The modular design of the ASR1000-ESP10 enables enterprises to scale their network infrastructure efficiently while protecting their initial investment through flexible upgrade paths and backward compatibility. Supporting routing table capacity of 1,000,000 IPv4 routes and 250,000 IPv6 routes, this ESP can accommodate the growth requirements of large enterprise networks and service provider deployments. The processor supports advanced queuing mechanisms and bandwidth management features that ensure consistent application performance even as network demand increases over time. Organizations can add this module to their existing Cisco ASR infrastructure to enhance performance without requiring complete system replacement, providing a cost-effective approach to network modernization that aligns with business growth objectives and technology evolution trends.

Industry-Leading Reliability and Operational Excellence

Built to meet the stringent reliability requirements of mission-critical enterprise environments, the ASR1000-ESP10 incorporates advanced fault tolerance mechanisms and supports 1+1 redundancy configurations when deployed with compatible Cisco ASR 1006 router chassis. The field-replaceable unit design enables customers to perform maintenance and upgrades without disrupting network operations, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous business connectivity. Comprehensive warranty coverage and Cisco’s industry-leading technical support provide customers with confidence in their infrastructure investment, while extensive compatibility with existing Cisco router platforms ensures seamless integration into established network architectures. The processor’s robust design and proven track record in demanding enterprise deployments make it an ideal choice for organizations requiring dependable, high-performance network infrastructure that can support critical business operations around the clock.

Specifications of the Cisco ASR1000-ESP10 Router Module

Hardware Architecture and Performance

Software Capabilities and Service Functions

The ASR1000-ESP10 operates with Cisco IOS XE software, providing comprehensive Layer 3 routing capabilities, advanced QoS mechanisms, and integrated security features that eliminate the need for separate service blades in many enterprise deployments. The processor supports a full range of network services including firewall functions, VPN connectivity, Network Based Application Recognition (NBAR), and sophisticated traffic management capabilities. Advanced features include hardware-assisted policing, traffic shaping, and comprehensive NetFlow support for network monitoring and analysis. The module integrates seamlessly with existing Cisco management tools and supports automated provisioning and configuration management, enabling IT teams to efficiently manage complex enterprise networks while maintaining consistent service quality across all network segments.

Compatibility and Integration Options

The ESP module is designed for seamless integration with the Cisco ASR 1000 series platform, supporting installation in ASR1002, ASR1004, and ASR1006 chassis configurations to meet diverse enterprise requirements. The processor maintains full compatibility with existing Shared Port Adapters and SPA Interface Processors, ensuring that customers can leverage their current interface investments while upgrading their forwarding performance. Online insertion and removal capabilities enable non-disruptive maintenance and upgrades, while comprehensive diagnostic features support proactive monitoring and troubleshooting. The module supports various power supply configurations and operates within standard environmental parameters, making it suitable for deployment in diverse enterprise data center and network closet environments.

Comparison with Cisco ASR ESP Family

Within the Cisco ASR embedded services processor portfolio, the ASR1000-ESP10 provides an optimal balance of performance and cost-effectiveness for medium to large enterprise deployments requiring 10 Gbps forwarding capacity. Compared to lower-capacity ESP modules, this processor offers significantly enhanced routing table capacity and security throughput, while providing a cost-effective alternative to higher-end ESP40 and ESP100 modules for organizations that don’t require their maximum bandwidth capabilities. The ESP10 shares the same software feature set and management interfaces as other ESP family members, ensuring consistent operational experience across different performance tiers. For customers requiring additional bandwidth, the modular architecture enables straightforward migration to higher-capacity ESP modules without requiring changes to existing chassis, power, or management infrastructure components.

At Network Republic, our end-user accounts are covered by a 1-Year Warranty on all hardware—whether New, New Open Box, New Pull, Refurbished, or Refurbished by Manufacturer —from the date of delivery. This warranty covers hardware defects under normal use and allows for repair, replacement, or in-house credit at our discretion.

For resellers and wholesale purchases, we offer a 30-Day Warranty limited strictly to functional issues or defects upon arrival, including dead-on-arrival (DOA) items; it does not apply to problems arising after prolonged use. Resellers are responsible for inspecting and testing products within the 30-day window. This warranty excludes accidental damage, misuse, cosmetic wear, third-party modifications, and software-related issues unrelated to hardware failure. Check out our full warranty policy here.

Software licenses are not covered under the standard return and warranty policies and need to be activated on the hardware within 7 days of receipt. Any issues need to be reported immediately, within 10 days, so we can issue an exchange. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for software licenses.